Richard Ballo has been a published writer since 1980. Today he is an award-winning author and popular national speaker on the topics of grief, bereavement and healing.

He wrote and had few things published, spent time in college Richard then worked in offices until age 26 when he decided to find his life’s calling. It was writing.

He earned his B.S. degree in Journalism and Technical Communications from Suffolk University in 1986, and married Lisa. In 1989 Richard decided to be the at home parent to take care of the growing family, while Lisa ran her business.

Richard authored articles for the local paper and started writing for national magazines and tended to the family, three years later Lisa died leaving Richard a widower and a business owner.

Richard continued to write but nothing hit until his memoir ‘Life without Lisa’ was published.

Richard traveled across the country and spoke to various groups about the book and his experience.

Richard became more involved with the community including volunteering at the board level at several non-profits including Avow Hospice, and Seacrest Country day School.

Richard earned his MBA from Hodges University in Naples, FL at age 60. He continues to write and will be writing for as long as he can.

After being a widower for 20 years the right woman walked into his life. Richard and Terri are very happily married and for their honeymoon they rode their 2004 BMW motorcycle in South Dakota and Wyoming for 11 days. They saw where the buffalo roam and the deer and antelope play. They went horseback riding and dug for dinosaur bones.

Richard and Terri live a busy, full life in Southwest Florida near their three adult step kids and grandchildren.